March 18, 2014

The Cowboys were unable to close the deal with Bears free-agent defensive tackle Henry Melton after an all day visit Monday, including dinner with defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.

Melton is now headed to St. Louis for a visit with the Rams on Tuesday, a source said. Melton, however, remains in contract talks with the Cowboys and other teams, a source said.

Melton spent Monday in Dallas after visits last week with the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks. The former Bears Pro Bowler missed much of 2013 with a season-ending knee injury, which is likely complicating his contract negotiations.

His knee checked out fine with the Cowboys doctors per a source and he is on schedule with his rehab. The Cowboys believe he will be ready to go for the start of the football season but not necessarily for the start of training camp.

The latter is not a red flag in terms of signing him, per a source. They are just waiting on the right price.

Defensive tackle is a huge position of need for the Cowboys after losing 2013 Pro Bowler Jason Hatcher to the Redskins in free agency. Melton is considered a perfect fit for the three-technique position in Marinelli's defense. He also has familiarity with the system from his days in Chicago when Marinelli was the defensive coordinator.